Johanna Beach Campground

A couple sits around their tent playing with their dog, a white van is parked next to their tent, coastal vegetation surrounds them.

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Johanna Beach Campground

Take a break from your Great Ocean Road drive at this low-key campground. Camp between coastal sand dunes in lush, grassy hinterland and a prime surf beach for an unforgettable seaside stay. Take in the ocean vistas, go surfing, fishing or stroll along a section of the Great Ocean Walk. Humpback and Southern Right-whales can be spotted out to sea from July to September.

An unpatrolled beach, the westerly facing breaks of Johanna Beach are popular for experienced surfers. This is also a good surf fishing beach. Try your hand at catching mullet or salmon for dinner.

Johanna Beach is close to several other park attractions of natural wonder. Melba Gully, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway Lightstation and Triplet Falls are all within an hour's drive.

Please note, Johanna Beach is an important nesting area for the threatened Hooded Plover. This small bird nests just above the high tide between August and February. If you are walking along the beach please walk below the high tide mark. To help protect this species and other wildlife, dogs are permitted on lead only.

Johanna Beach Campground has 25 non-powered sites available to book. Amenities are basic with non-flush toilets and no showers.


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Things to do

 
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
A couple follow a walking path through luscious rain-forest ferns.

Melba Gully

Melba Gully has prolific plant growth and is a dense rainforest of Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns, with an understorey of low ferns and mosses. Perhaps the most unusual inhabitants of the area are the glow worms, which can be seen at night along the walking tracks.
A man in a red wetsuit and a women with the top half of her wetsuit undone follow two men in to the surf on the Morning Peninsula.

Surfing

Learn to surf from beaches dotted along the coast or for experienced boarders ride the ultimate wave at ocean back beaches or famous Bells Beach.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

How to get there

Johanna Beach Campground

Johanna Beach is just off the Great Ocean Road near Glenaire. It's a three-hour drive from Melbourne via the direct inland route through Colac. Alternatively, it's a four-hour drive from Melbourne via the world famous and very scenic Great Ocean Road. 
Johanna Beach Campground

When you're there

Johanna Beach Campground and its adjoining day visitor area are on the route of the eight-day long distance walk, the Great Ocean Walk. Hikers can stay at the nearby hike-in campsites or in accommodation nearby. Download the Great Otway National Park visitor guides before you go, or visit the Great Ocean Walk website for accommodation, guides and shuttle services.

When to go

Book ahead and try for weekdays to avoid crowds and public holidays.

Need to know

Johanna Beach Campground

Accessibility

The Johanna Beach drive in camping area has a range of campsites located close to Johanna Beach. Sites are located on undulating grassland with some limited shelter provided by coastal vegetation.  A number of the campsites are on slopes making them unsuitable for wheelchair access.

Parking is on the grass generally next to the campsite. There are no designated paths leading all the way to the toilets.

There are two standard toilet cubicles and a unisex accessible toilet servicing the camping area. Access is via the gravel service road and then up a short compacted gravel path leading to the toilets. There is no designated path leading from the campsites directly to the toilets; wheelchairs are required to go over grassy surfaces and parts of the service road.

The entrance to the accessible toilet cubicle is approximately 870mm wide with an inward swinging door. The door has a turnstile locking mechanism. There is ample room for manoeuvrability in the cubicle and there are two types of toilet roll dispensers. Grab railing is on the left side of the cubicle wall and extends behind the toilet. The cubicle also has a bench seat.

The vanity basin is located outside the toilet cubicles and is accessible for wheelchairs. It has a knob handle cold water tap and a stainless steel mirror.

Johanna Beach is not accessible by wheelchair from the camping area.

Be prepared and stay safe

  • No solid fuel fires permitted.
  • Fuel stoves or gas barbecues are preferred for cooking.
  • Bring your own drinking water.
  • Come and enjoy the peace and quiet – please, no generators.
  • Please take your rubbish home with you.

Johanna Beach Campground is in the Great Otway National Park in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Kalimna Tramline link walk and Upper Kalimna is closed

    The Kalimna Tramline link walk is closed due to damage to a pedestrian bridge. Walkers can still access the Lower Kalimna Waterfall via the Kalimna Falls Walking Track, which starts at Sheoak Picnic Area. Upper Kalimna Falls closed until further notice.


    Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Safety Notice: Jarosite Headlands Beach Closure

    Due to recent cliff falls, the beach at the base of Jarosite Headlands is closed to the public.
    A large amount of rock and debris is still unstable, and further collapses may occur. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the closed area.
    Access to Addiscott Beach and Southside Beach remains open. Please consult the map below for the designated closed area.
    We will provide an update when the area is safe to reopen.

    Event = Great Ocean Walk - Saturday, 25 October 2025

    NOTICE TO PARK VISITORS
    A permitted trail running event will be operating on the Great Ocean Walk trail system on Saturday, 25 October 2025.

    Event: Great Ocean Trail Ultra
    Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
    Time: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM (20 hours)
    Route: Apollo Bay to Princetown Recreation Reserve via Great Ocean Walk
    Participants: Up to 400 registered runners (100km and 45km events)
    ________________________________________
    AFFECTED AREAS AND TIMES
    Morning Activity (Higher Impact Period)
    • Apollo Bay vicinity: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
    • Blanket Bay Day Use Area: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
    • Cape Otway Lightstation Car Park: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Aire River West Campground: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Peak Activity Period
    • Castle Cove Lookout: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Johanna Beach Day Use Area: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (includes 45km event start)
    • Parker Access Track/Great Ocean Road: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    Evening Activity
    • Princetown Recreation Reserve: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (finish line area)
    • GOW Lookout Car Park (near 12 Apostles): 1:30 PM - midnight
    ________________________________________
    WHAT TO EXPECT
    For Great Ocean Walk Users:
    • The Great Ocean Walk remains fully open to public use
    • You may encounter trail runners throughout the day
    • Participants are required to give way to walkers and be courteous
    • Event marshals positioned at key locations to assist
    Facility Access:
    • All public toilets and facilities remain available
    • Car parks accessible (brief periods of increased activity expected)
    • Campground facilities protected - event routes bypass overnight camping areas
    • Walk-in campsites not affected by event operations
    Traffic Considerations:
    • Minimal road impact - event follows walking trails
    • Brief activity at Great Ocean Road crossings with marshal supervision
    • "Event in Progress" signage displayed at key locations
    ________________________________________
    ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
    Parks Victoria confirms the following protective measures are in place:
    • Mandatory compliance with cinnamon fungus prevention protocols
    • Leave No Trace principles enforced for all participants
    • Waste management systems - all event waste removed from parks
    • Professional medical support and emergency response procedures
    • Regular monitoring by experienced event management team
    ________________________________________
    WEATHER AND CONDITIONS
    This event is subject to cancellation or modification due to:
    • South West District Fire danger ratings (Extreme or Catastrophic conditions)  
    • Severe weather warnings
    • Track closure requirements
    • Emergency service direction
    Event organisers monitor conditions closely and will cancel if necessary to ensure public and participant safety.
    ________________________________________
    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    Parks Victoria Information Centre:
    📞 13 1963
    Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority (GORCAPA):
    📞 1300 736 533
    Event Information:

    Emergency Services: 000
    ________________________________________
    This notice will remain in effect until Monday, 27 October 2025

    Parks Victoria acknowledges the Eastern Maar People as Traditional Owners of these lands and waters and recognises their ongoing connection to Country.

    Great Ocean Walk Trail Advisory: Echidna & Long-nosed Bandicoot Activity

    Important Safety Alert – Great Ocean Walk > Trail Conditions
    Recent observations in Great Otway National Park have recorded a significant increase in digging activity by both short-beaked echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots—themselves ecosystem engineers—resulting in numerous diggings and burrows along the entire Great Ocean Walk. These excavations create trip hazards, especially in low-light conditions during dawn and dusk when both species are most active.

    Safety Recommendations
    • Remain vigilant for fresh soil disturbances, shallow holes, and uneven ground surfaces.
    • Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to reduce injury risk.
    • Carry a torch or headlamp for early starts or late finishes to spot potential hazards. 
    Protected Wildlife Notice
    • Echidnas and long-nosed bandicoots are fully protected native wildlife. 
    • It is illegal to disturb, harass, handle, injure, or remove them—or any part of their habitat—from the wild.
    • Do not approach, touch, chase, corner, or attempt to move these animals.
    • Keep a respectful distance and allow wildlife to move away naturally.
    • If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal, do not intervene directly.
    Ecosystem Importance
    • Echidnas move up to 200 m³ of soil annually through their digging behavior, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
    • Long-nosed bandicoots create shallow foraging pits that aid seed germination and nutrient cycling, further enhancing ecosystem function.
    Reporting & Contacts
    For any wildlife concerns or to report animal incidents or injured wildlife, contact 
    Parks Victoria on 131963 or visit the 
    Conservation Regulator on 136186 or online at https://www.vic.gov.au/conservation-regulator.

    Please stay on designated tracks to protect native vegetation and minimize disturbance to habitat.

    Attachments: GONP Spring 2025 (349KB)

  • Aire River East Campground (Great Otway National Park, Aire River Heritage River)

    Seasonal Closure Notification – Aire East Campground

    Closure Dates: 1 June – 30 October 2025

    Aire East Campground will be fully closed over the winter period and into early spring, due to consistently wet ground conditions. The closure is in place to ensure visitor safety, comfort, and to prevent damage to the campground’s grassed surfaces.

    This closure is in line with Parks Victoria’s commitment to sustainable park management and will remain in effect until 30 October 2025.

    Camping in closed areas is not permitted under the National Park Regulations 2024.

    We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore alternative camping locations in the region during this time.

    Closure may be extended if the campground has not dried out.

  • Cora Lynn Cascades Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Cora Lynn Cascades Walking Track Closure

    Cora Lynn Cascades walking track is currently closed due to damaged infrastructure. Please note this closure will affect you if you plan to walk from Allenvale through to Erskine falls and vice versa. 

  • Aire River West Campground (Aire River Heritage River, Great Otway National Park)

    Aire River West campground - Flood impacts

    Aire River West Campground has been impacted by flooding. Sites 17 to 40 are currently not accessible until the 29th for October. Sites 1 to 16 are unaffected at this time.

  • Maits Rest Rainforest Walk (Great Otway National Park)

    Maits Rest Carpark- bus access

    Maits Rest Carpark is suitable for small coaster buses only. Large buses or coaches are advised to use Melba Gully walk track near Lavers Hill.

Similar experiences

 
White van parked next to picnic table in a campsite, shaded by trees

Best Alternatives to Popular Victorian Campgrounds

If you’re looking for a great camping experience in Victoria without the crowds, we’ve put together a list of alternatives to popular campgrounds, including the best times to visit.
One man adds a log on to the fire at Bear Gully Campground at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Bear Gully Campground

This camping area offers shady campsites set among tall Banksias right on the shore of Waratah Bay. The adjacent beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. The area is popular for fishing and rock pooling.
The path to Ninety Mile Beach from Paradise Beach Campground at Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

Paradise Beach Campground

The campground is separated from the beach by a stretch of fenced vegetation. There is access to the beach from the Paradise Beach camping area. Use this access points to reduce damage to the sensitive coastal vegetation.
Mum and Dad sit around the campfire with their infant son while their three other children play in the background.

Shipwreck Creek

This small campground is set in a tall forest above a small secluded cove which is only a 10 minute walk away. It is an excellent base for walks covering both heathland and coastal scenery.
A couple in their thirties play with their dog at Johanna Beach Campground next to their tent and campervan.

Dog friendly camping

Looking for dog-friendly camping in Victoria? Find a park where you and your dog can camp together.
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